What is a redirect chain?

A redirect chain occurs when a URL redirects to another URL, which then redirects again. For example: URL A -> 301 -> URL B -> 302 -> URL C. Each redirect is a 'hop' in the chain. Long chains slow down page loading and dilute SEO link equity.

What is the difference between a 301 and 302 redirect?

A 301 redirect is permanent — it tells search engines the page has moved forever and to transfer link equity to the new URL. A 302 redirect is temporary — it tells search engines the original URL may return, so link equity stays with the original.

How many redirects are too many?

Google recommends keeping redirect chains as short as possible. A single redirect is ideal. Chains with 3 or more hops can cause crawling issues, slow page loads, and lose link equity at each hop. Always aim to redirect directly to the final URL.

What is a meta refresh redirect?

A meta refresh redirect uses an HTML meta tag to redirect the browser after a delay. Unlike HTTP 301/302 redirects, meta refreshes happen client-side and are not recommended for SEO because search engines may not pass link equity through them.

How do redirect loops happen?

A redirect loop occurs when URL A redirects to URL B, and URL B redirects back to URL A (or through a longer cycle). This creates an infinite loop that prevents the page from loading. Common causes include misconfigured server rules, conflicting plugins, or HTTP/HTTPS mismatches.

Free Tool — No Signup Required

Redirect Chain Checker

Enter a URL to trace every redirect hop (301, 302, 307, 308, meta refresh) and discover the full redirect chain.

How It Works

Enter a URL

Paste any URL that you suspect has redirects. We accept HTTP and HTTPS.

We follow every hop

We manually follow up to 10 redirect hops, recording status codes, timing, and headers.

See the full chain

View a visual timeline of every redirect with status codes, response times, and issues.

Why Redirect Chains Matter for SEO

Every redirect in a chain adds latency and dilutes link equity. Google recommends keeping redirect chains as short as possible — ideally a single hop from the old URL to the final destination.

Long redirect chains (3+ hops) slow down crawling, waste crawl budget, and can cause indexing issues. Mixed HTTP/HTTPS chains and redirect loops are especially harmful.

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